Rapid-connect coupler

ABSTRACT

A rapid-connect gas coupler is shown and described herein. In an embodiment, the rapid-connect gas coupler includes a spring-loaded probe within a probe cavity, which is defined by a housing and one or more latch segment. The probe can engage with a gas connector, which causes the latch segment to engage and couple with the gas connector.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/833,762, filed Aug. 24, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/206,828, filed Aug. 10, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No.9,115,838, which claims the benefit of U.S. Prov. Patent App. No.61/372,204, filed on Aug. 10, 2010, and U.S. Prov. Patent App. No.61/414,356, filed on Nov. 16, 2010. These prior applications areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to gas couplings, and morespecifically to rapid-connect gas couplers.

BACKGROUND

An ordinary cylinder used to hold a gas under pressure may include athreaded socket inlet which leads to a check valve that is held inclosed position by the pressure of the gas inside the cylinder.

Whenever a gas cylinder is to be charged with gas under pressure, it isnecessary to tightly screw a fitting into or on a threaded socket inletof the gas cylinder in order to connect the gas cylinder inlet to asupply of gas under pressure. The operation of screwing a fitting intothe threaded socket inlet of a gas cylinder is time-consuming andtherefore un-desirable when filling a large number of gas cylinders in amanufacturing plant or at a refilling station. For example, two steps ofoperation are required to make a connection with most couplers, whichsubstantially increases the time and cost of cylinder refilling.Moreover, the repetitive motion of twisting the wrist can lead tocarpal-tunnel syndrome or the like, which can be detrimental to theoperators of a refilling station.

Although rapid-connect couplers exist for filling a gas cylinder, thesecouplers are deficient because they fail to consistently provide anairtight seal with the cylinder. Accordingly, filling gas cylinders canbe inefficient because of the time it takes to properly seat thecoupler, and the fact that improper seating often goes unnoticed, whichalso results in wasted time.

Additionally, existing rapid-connect couplers are also deficient becausethey are typically unable to adapt to more than one type of socketinlet. For example, some socket inlets may have a check valve which mustbe actuated for gas to flow through the valve, and such a check valvemay be located in various locations and be associated with variousdiameters of inlet channels. Other socket inlets may not have a checkvalve. Existing rapid-connect couplers are not able couple with manytypes of inlets and are not re-configurable. A new coupler is typicallyrequired for each type of inlet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present subject matter disclosure will be described by way ofexemplary embodiments but not limitations, illustrated in theaccompanying drawings in which like references denote similar elements,and in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross section of a rapid-connect coupler in a firstconfiguration in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross section of the rapid-connect coupler in a secondconfiguration in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross section of the rapid-connect coupler in a thirdconfiguration in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross section of a rapid-connect coupler and a cross sectionof a gas connector in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a cross section of a rapid-connect coupler in a firstconfiguration in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross section of the rapid-connect coupler in a secondconfiguration in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a cross section of the rapid-connect coupler in a thirdconfiguration in accordance with an embodiment of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a cross section of a rapid-connect coupler and a cross sectionof a gas connector in accordance with an embodiment of FIG. 5.

FIGS. 9a and 9b depict a cross section of the rapid-connect coupler ofFIGS. 5-8 with a removable plug in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 9c depicts a cross section of a replaceable actuator assembly, inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 9d depicts a cross section of the replaceable actuator assembly ofFIG. 9c residing within the rapid-connect coupler of FIGS. 5-8 inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 10a depicts a front end of the rapid-connect coupler of FIGS. 5-8in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 10b depicts a rear end of the rapid-connect coupler of FIGS. 5-8 inaccordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Illustrative embodiments presented herein include, but are not limitedto, systems and methods for providing a rapid-connect gas coupler.

Various aspects of the illustrative embodiments will be described usingterms commonly employed by those skilled in the art to convey thesubstance of their work to others skilled in the art. However, it willbe apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments describedherein may be practiced with only some of the described aspects. Forpurposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials and configurationsare set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of theillustrative embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled inthe art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced withoutthe specific details. In other instances, well-known features areomitted or simplified in order not to obscure the illustrativeembodiments.

A rapid-connect gas coupler 100, 500 is shown and described herein(e.g., FIGS. 1 and 5). In an embodiment, the rapid-connect gas coupler100, 500 includes a spring-loaded probe 108, 508 within a probe cavity164, 564 which is defined by a housing 124, 524 and one or more latchsegment 110, 510. The probe 108, 508 can engage with a gas connector400, 800 (FIGS. 4 and 8), which causes the latch segment 110, 510 toengage and couple with the gas connector 400, 800 as discussed herein.

For example, in one or more embodiment, the rapid-connect gas coupler100, 500 may include an elongated housing 124, 524 having afirst-housing end 101, 501 and a second-housing end 103, 503, anddefining a probe cavity 164, 564. The rapid-connect gas coupler 100, 500may also include an elongated probe 108, 508 having a first-probe end105, 505 and a second-probe end 107, 507 and slidably residing withinthe probe cavity 164, 564 at the first-housing end 103, 503 with thefirst-probe end 105, 505 extending from the probe cavity 164, 564. Therapid-connect gas coupler 100, 500 may also include an elongated fluidpassageway 162, 562 defined by the probe 108, 508 and housing 124, 524and communicating between the first-probe end 105, 505 and thesecond-housing end 103, 503. The rapid-connect gas coupler 100, 500 mayinclude one or more latch segments 110, 510 pivotally coupled to thefirst-housing end 101, 501 and an elongated sleeve 118, 518 slidablyresiding about the housing 124, 524, probe 108, 508 and one or morelatch segments 110, 510.

Some embodiments may comprise an elongated check-valve-actuatingapparatus 102, 910, disposed within a portion of the fluid passagewayand extending from the first-probe end 105, 505.

Some embodiments may include an elongated housing 124, 524 having asubstantially cylindrical first-housing end 101, 501 and asecond-housing end 103, 503 and defining a probe cavity 164, 564. Someembodiments may also include an elongated and substantially cylindricalprobe 108, 508 having a first-probe end 105, 505 and a second-probe end107, 507 and slidably residing within the probe cavity 164, 564 at thefirst-housing end 101, 501 with the first-probe end 105, 505 extendingfrom the probe cavity 164, 564. Some embodiments may include one or morelatch segments 110, 510 pivotally coupled about the first-housing end101, 501 circumference and fixed in position and inoperable to translateabout the first-housing end 101, 501 circumference.

Some embodiments may include a biased ball cam 114, 514 surrounding aportion of the probe 108, 508 within the probe cavity 164, 564. The ballcam 114, 514 may be slidably biased along the length of the probe 108,508 toward the probe first end 105, 505. Some embodiments may include aball cavity 170, 570 defined by a portion of the sleeve 118, 518 and aportion of the housing 124, 524 with a ball 126, 526 disposed in theball cavity 170, 570. The probe 108, 508 may be configured to slidelongitudinally within the probe cavity 164, 564 from a resting positionto a coupling position where the ball cam 114, 514 is misaligned withthe ball cavity 170, 570 and ball 126, 526 in the resting position andwhere the ball cam 114, 514 is aligned with the ball cavity 170, 570 andball 126, 526 in the resting coupling position.

FIGS. 1-4 depict a rapid-connect coupler 100 in accordance with anembodiment, which may be operable to couple with a gas connector 400(FIG. 4). FIG. 1 depicts the rapid-connect coupler 100 in a firstconfiguration, which may be a resting configuration before therapid-connect coupler 100 couples with a gas connector 400. FIGS. 2 and3 depict the rapid-connect coupler 100 in second and thirdconfigurations, which may represent configuration that the rapid-connectcoupler 100 assumes when coupling with or when coupled to a gasconnector 400.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the rapid-connect coupler 100 comprises a probe108, which is an elongated member that extends from the front end of therapid-connect coupler 100 and resides within a probe cavity 164. Probepacking 106 is present at the front end of the probe 108. The probe 108defines a cylindrical tip cavity 162, which extends through the probe108 along a central axis X.

A tip 102 resides within the tip cavity 162 extending down the centralaxis X, and is supported by a front guide 104, and a pad spring 148. Thetip 102 is further associated with a washer 144, a tip spring 146, and apad spring 148, which makes the tip 102 spring-loaded within the tipcavity 162 along the central axis X.

The probe 108 comprises a first and second probe end 105, 107 andresides within the probe cavity 164, which is defined by a housing 124,and a latch segment 110, which is coupled to the housing 124, via atleast one latch pin 112. The latch segment 110 comprises a latch nose172, and a latch lip 174.

In various embodiments, there may be a plurality of latch segments 110.For example, there may be a first, second, and third latch segment 110positioned within the housing 124. In some embodiments, there may be anysuitable number of latch segments 110. Latch segments 110 may bepositioned around the circumference of the probe 108 and may facilitatecoupling of the rapid-connect coupler 100 with a gas connector 400 (FIG.4).

The probe 108 further comprises a cam spring 116, a seat 128, a backupring 130, rear-probe packing 132, lock-ring packing 134, and a lock ring136.

Additionally, the rear end of the probe 108 slidably surrounds a tube160 and contacts a terminal probe spring 138. Given that the probe 108slidably resides within the probe cavity 164 and about the tube 160, theprobe 108 is thereby spring-loaded within the probe cavity 164. The rear103 of the rapid-connect coupler 100 is defined by an end fitting 140,which houses the tube 160 and supports the terminal probe spring 138.End fitting packing 122 also resides between the housing 124 and the endfitting 140. The end fitting 140 also includes a plunger 142, whichcomprises plunger packing 158 and a plunger-backup ring 156.

The end fitting 140 further comprises an end fitting cavity 168, whichextends along the central axis X and through a terminal coupler 166. Asdepicted herein, the terminal coupler 166 comprises a threadedextension, which allows complementary threaded components (not shown) tocouple with the terminal coupler 166. However, in various embodiments,the terminal coupler may be any suitable, shape, configuration or size,depending on the hardware that is desired to be coupled to therapid-connect coupler 100 via the terminal coupler 166.

Furthermore, slidably surrounding portions of the housing 124, endfitting 140 and latch segment 110 is a sleeve 118. The sleeve 118contacts a sleeve spring 120, and the sleeve spring 120 also contact aspring pad 154. Accordingly, the sleeve 118 is spring-loaded about thehousing 124, end fitting 140 and latch segment 110.

Additionally, a ball 126 resides within a ball cavity 170 within theprobe cavity 164, which is defined by the housing 124 and the sleeve118. As shown and described herein, the ball 126 may contact a ball cam114 in various configurations, which is positioned on the probe 108.Additionally, in various embodiments, the sleeve 118 may be held in theconfiguration depicted in FIG. 1 by the ball 126, and tension of thesleeve spring 120 pushes the sleeve 118 against the ball 126.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the rapid-connect coupler 100 is depicted in asecond configuration wherein the probe 108 is pushed back into the probecavity 164. For example, in an embodiment, the probe 108 may be insertedinto a gas connector 400 (FIG. 4) and the force of insertion causes theprobe 108 to compress the terminal probe spring 138, which allows theprobe 108 to shift further into the probe cavity 164 as depicted in FIG.2.

The movement of the probe 108 into the probe cavity 164 causes the ballcam 114 to move into position over the ball cavity 170 and the ball 126.Additionally, a latch lip notch 176 on the probe 108 shifts intoposition under the latch lip 174.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the rapid-connect coupler 100 is depicted in athird configuration wherein the probe 108 is pushed back into the probecavity 164, the sleeve 118 shifts forward, and the latch segment 110rotates into the latch-lip notch 176. In various embodiments, the thirdconfiguration occurs subsequent to the second configuration depicted inFIG. 2.

In the third configuration depicted in FIG. 3, the ball 126 shifts intothe ball cavity 170, which allows the sleeve 118, which may be undertension of the sleeve spring 120, to shift forward. Such forwardmovement of the sleeve 118 forces the latch lip 174 of the latch segment110 into the latch-lip notch 176, which causes the latch segment 110 torotate about the pin 112. Accordingly, the latch nose 172 rotates awayfrom the probe 108 and is held in position by the sleeve 118.

FIG. 4 depicts a rapid-connect coupler 100 and a gas connector 400 inaccordance with an embodiment. The gas connector 400 depicted in FIG. 4is a CGA 580 port; however, in various embodiments, a rapid-connectcoupler 100 may be adapted or operable to couple with various CGA ports,or other ports having a cavity. Such ports may or may not includethreads.

Referring to FIG. 4, the gas connector 400 defines a front, middle andrear cavity 410, 430, and 440 and includes threads 420 in the frontcavity 410. In an embodiment, the rapid-connect coupler 100 is operableto couple with the gas connector 400 when the rapid-connect coupler 100is inserted into the gas connector 400.

For example, the probe 108 is inserted into the gas connector 400, and afront portion of the probe 108 corresponds to the middle cavity 430, andthe tip 102 corresponds to the rear cavity 440. The front portion of theprobe 108 and the probe packing 106 may engage a portion of the middlecavity 430 and the tip 102 may enter the rear cavity 440. The engagementof the probe 108 with the middle cavity 430 allows the probe 108 to bepushed back into the probe cavity 164, which may cause the rapid-connectcoupler 100 to assume the second configuration depicted in FIG. 2 andthen the third configuration depicted in FIG. 3. When the rapid-connectcoupler 100 assumes the third configuration as depicted in FIG. 3, thelatch segment 110 (or the plurality of latch segments 110) rotate toengage the threaded portion 420. The rapid-connect coupler 100 isthereby held and coupled within the gas connector 400 and forms a sealtherewith such that gas may be transferred through the gas connector 400and the rapid-connect coupler 100.

In an embodiment, the ball cam 114 may be biased by the cam spring 116.A biased ball cam 114 may be desirable in some embodiments because itmay provide for improved seating and coupling of the probe 180 within agas connector 400. The biased ball cam 114 may prevent a gap fromremaining between the probe front end 105 and the middle cavity 430 ofthe gas connector 400. Having a biased ball cam 114 may allow the probe108 to move forward under pressure of gas within the fluid passageway168 and thereby naturally find and maintain a tight fit within the gasconnector 400. Additionally, the biased ball cam 114 may provide forpositive radial placement of the latch segments 110, which may or maynot comprise threads.

In some embodiments, the latch nose 172 may comprise threads, whichcorrespond to the threaded portion 420 of the gas connector 400, orwhich may engage a portion of the gas connector 400 regardless ofwhether the gas connector 400 comprises threads or not.

Additionally, in various embodiments, the tip 102 may be configured toactuate a check-valve or residual pressure valve within the gasconnector 400 (e.g., within the third cavity 440). Accordingly, invarious embodiments, the tip 102 may be configured in various ways tocorrespond to a check-valve or other structure within the gas connector400. However, in some embodiments, the tip 102 may be absent.

The components of the rapid-connect coupler 100 may be made of anysuitable material. For example, suitable materials may include, but notbe limited to corrosion resistant steel, brass, or the like. Othersuitable materials for various components may include nitrile butadienerubber, Polytetrafluoroethylene, or the like.

In various embodiments the rapid-connect coupler 100 may be part of agas cylinder charging system. For example, a rapid-connect coupler 100may be attached to a tube or hose, which is connected to a pressurizedgas source. In some embodiments, a plurality of rapid-connect couplers100 may be coupled to the pressurized gas source. In such embodiments,pressurized gas cylinders may be rapidly charged either alone or as agroup by coupling the one or more rapid-connect couplers 100 to thefill-port of each cylinder and charging the tanks via the pressurizedgas source.

FIGS. 5-8 depict a rapid-connect coupler 500 in accordance with anotherembodiment, which may be operable to couple with a gas connector 800(FIG. 8). The rapid-connect coupler 100 depicted in FIGS. 1-4 may beconsidered a “male” coupler embodiment, as it couples within a gasconnector 400, and the rapid-connect coupler 500 depicted in FIGS. 5-8may be considered a “female” coupler embodiment, as it couples to theexterior of a gas connector 800.

FIG. 5 depicts the rapid-connect coupler 500 in a first configuration,which may be a resting configuration before the rapid-connect coupler500 couples with a gas connector 800. FIGS. 6 and 7 depict therapid-connect coupler 500 in second and third configurations, which mayrepresent configurations that the rapid-connect coupler 500 assumes whencoupling with or when coupled to a gas connector 800.

As shown in FIGS. 5-8, the rapid-connect coupler 500 comprises a probe508, which is an elongated member that extends from the front end 501 ofthe rapid-connect coupler 500 and resides within a probe cavity 564. Theprobe cavity 564 is defined by a housing 524, and a latch segment 510.

The latch segment 510 resides between the housing 524 and a sleeve 518,and is configured to rotate about a latch bearing 526B as shown anddescribed herein. In various embodiments, there may be a plurality oflatch segments 510. For example, there may be a first, second, and thirdlatch segment 510 positioned within the housing 524. In someembodiments, there may be any suitable number of latch segments 510.Latch segments 510 may be positioned around the circumference of theprobe 508 and may facilitate coupling of the rapid-connect coupler 500with a gas connector 800 (FIG. 8).

Referring now to FIG. 6, the rapid-connect coupler 500 is depicted in asecond configuration wherein the probe 508 is pushed back into the probecavity 564. For example, in an embodiment, the probe 508 may be insertedinto a gas connector 800 (FIG. 8) and the force of insertion causes theprobe 508 to compress a terminal probe spring 538, which allows theprobe 508 to shift further into the probe cavity 564 as depicted in FIG.6.

The movement of the probe 508 into the probe cavity 564 causes the ballcam 514 to move into position over the ball cavity 570 and the ball526A.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the rapid-connect coupler 500 is depicted in athird configuration wherein the probe 508 is pushed back into the probecavity 564, the sleeve 518 shifts forward, and the latch segment 510rotates toward the probe 508. In various embodiments, the thirdconfiguration occurs subsequent to the second configuration depicted inFIG. 6.

In the third configuration depicted in FIG. 7, the ball 526A shifts intothe ball cavity 570, which allows the sleeve 518, which may be undertension, to shift forward. Such forward movement of the sleeve 518forces a latch lip 574 of the latch segment 510 into a latch-lip notch576 defined by the sleeve 518, which causes the latch segment 510 torotate about the latch bearing 526B. Accordingly, latch segment 510rotates toward the probe 508 and is held in position by the sleeve 518.

FIG. 8 depicts a rapid-connect coupler 500 and a gas connector 800 inaccordance with an embodiment. The gas connector 800 depicted in FIG. 8is a CGA 540 port; however, in various embodiments, a rapid-connectcoupler 500 may be adapted or be operable to couple with various CGAports, or other ports having a cavity. Such ports may or may not includethreads externally or internally.

Referring to FIG. 8, the gas connector 800 defines a front, middle andrear cavity 810, 830, and 840 and includes threads 820 externally. In anembodiment, the rapid-connect coupler 500 is operable to couple with thegas connector 800 when the rapid-connect coupler 500 is inserted intothe gas connector 800.

For example, the probe 508 is inserted into the gas connector 800, andthe probe 508 corresponds to one or more cavity 810, 830, and 840. Theengagement of the probe 508 with the gas connector 800 allows the probe508 to be pushed back into the probe cavity 564, which may cause therapid-connect coupler 500 to assume the second configuration depicted inFIG. 6 and then the third configuration depicted in FIG. 7. When therapid-connect coupler 500 assumes the third configuration as depicted inFIG. 7, the latch segment 510 (or the plurality of latch segments 510)rotate to engage the threaded portion 820. The rapid-connect coupler 500is thereby held and coupled within the gas connector 800 and forms aseal therewith such that gas may be transferred through the gasconnector 800 and the rapid-connect coupler 500.

In some embodiments, the latch segment 510 may comprise threads, whichcorrespond to the threaded portion 820 of the gas connector 800, orwhich may engage a portion of the gas connector 800 regardless ofwhether the gas connector 800 comprises threads or not.

Additionally, in various embodiments, the probe 508 may be configured toactuate a check-valve or residual pressure valve within the gasconnector 800 (e.g., within the probe 108 as depicted in FIGS. 1-4).Accordingly, in various embodiments, the probe 508 may be configured invarious ways to correspond to a check-valve or other structure withinthe gas connector 800.

FIGS. 9a and 9b depict the rapid-connect coupler 500 of FIGS. 5-8 with aremovable plug 905 in accordance with an embodiment. The plug 905 may beremovably disposed within the fluid passageway 562 at the second housingend 503. For example, FIG. 9 a depicts a plug 905 disposed within thesecond housing end 503 within a plug orifice 563 and FIG. 9 b depictsthe plug 905 removed from the plug orifice 563.

FIG. 9c depicts a replaceable actuator assembly 910, in accordance withan embodiment. The actuator assembly 910 comprises a tip 902, a springpad 944, and a spring 946. The tip 902 slidably resides within anactuator-plug 906 and is biased by the spring 946. The tip 902 may alsocomprise a bayonet guide 912, which moves within a guide-slot 915defined by the actuator-plug 906. In some embodiments an actuatorassembly 910 may comprise a separate actuator-plug 906 or theactuator-plug 906 may be in integral part of the actuator assembly 910.

In an embodiment, the actuator assembly 910 may be removably disposedwithin the plug orifice 563 and/or the fluid passageway 562 as depictedin FIG. 9 d. For example, the plug 905 may be removed from the secondhousing end 503 and the actuator assembly 910 may be inserted into thesecond housing end 503. The actuator-plug 906 may correspond to the plug905 and may couple the actuator assembly 910 within a portion of thefluid passageway 562. The tip 902 may extend from the first-probe end505 and be operable to actuate a check valve in a gas connector 800, 400(FIGS. 4 and 8) as described herein. The tip 902 may be biased andoperable to retract within the probe first end 905.

The tip 902 may be operable to be locked in a retracted position withinthe probe first end 905. For example, this may be desirable in anembodiment because the rapid-connect coupler 500 may be easily andquickly adapted for use with a gas connector 800, 400 with or without acheck valve. Such a gas connector 800, 400 and check valve may be partof a CGA gas coupler.

When the rapid-connect coupler 500 is used with gas connector 800, 400having a check valve, the tip 902 may be configured in an extendedposition (e.g., FIG. 9 c). However, when the rapid-connect coupler 500is used with a gas connector 800, 400 that does not have a check valve,the tip 902 may be configured in a locked retracted position wherein aportion of the tip 902 is within the first probe end 905 compared to theextended position. The tip 902 may be locked in the retracted positionby pushing the tip 902 within the first probe end 905, and may beunlocked by again pushing the tip 902.

FIG. 10a depicts a rapid-connect coupler 500 of FIGS. 5-8 in accordancewith an embodiment. The housing 524 may have a substantially cylindricalfirst-housing end 501 and substantially cylindrical probe 508 having afirst-probe end 505 slidably residing within the probe cavity 564 at thefirst-housing end 501 with the first-probe end 505 extending from theprobe cavity 564. The rapid-connect coupler 500 may include three latchsegments 510A, 510B, 510C that define a substantially contiguouscircumference about the first probe end 505. The latch segments 510A,510B, 510C may be pivotally coupled about the first housing end 505circumference via a latch bearing 526B₁, 526B₂, 526B₃ respectively, andmay be fixed in position and inoperable to translate about thefirst-housing end 505 circumference.

For example, having three latch segments 510A, 510B, 510C that are fixedin position and inoperable to translate about the first-housing end 505circumference may be desirable because it provides three points of solidcontact with a gas connector 800, 400 that the rapid-connect coupler 500may couple with. Lack of mobility of the three latch segments 510A,510B, 510C may allow the improved alignment with respective threads onthe latch segments 510A, 510B, 510C and gas connector 800, 400, whichmay result in an improved connecting between the rapid-connect coupler500 and gas connector 800, 400.

FIG. 10b depicts a rear end 503 of the rapid-connect coupler 500 ofFIGS. 5-8 in accordance with an embodiment, which may include a plug 905or an actuator plug 906 of an actuator apparatus 910.

Additionally, although specific embodiments have been illustrated anddescribed herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill inthe art and others, that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalentimplementations may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown anddescribed without departing from the scope of the embodiments describedherein. This application is intended to cover any adaptations orvariations of the embodiment discussed herein. While various embodimentshave been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodimentsdescribed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A rapid-connect coupling apparatus for coupling afuel source coupling to a fuel tank receiving connector, comprising: ahousing defining a first ball cavity; a ball disposed in the first ballcavity; a latch segment defining a second ball cavity to receive theball, the latch segment being pivotably engaged with the ball andcomprising a first end and a second end, a latch lip being formed on thesecond end; and a sleeve disposed about and slidably engaged with thehousing and with the latch segment and defining a latch-lip notch, thesleeve configured to engage the first end to pivot the latch lip intothe latch-lip notch when the sleeve is translated in a first direction.2. The rapid-connect coupling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housingcomprises a first housing end and a second housing end threadablyengaged with the first housing end.
 3. The rapid-connect couplingapparatus of claim 2, wherein the first housing end defines a probecavity and further comprising a probe disposed in the probe cavity. 4.The rapid-connect coupling apparatus of claim 3, wherein the probe iscaptured in the probe cavity by the second housing end.
 5. Therapid-connect coupling apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a springdisposed in the probe cavity and engaged with the probe and the secondhousing end to urge the probe in the first direction.
 6. Therapid-connect coupling apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a springabout the first housing end and captured between the second housing endand the sleeve to urge the sleeve in the first direction.
 7. Therapid-connect coupling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first endpivots away from the housing when the sleeve is translated in a seconddirection.
 8. The rapid-connect coupling apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe ball is a first ball and further comprising a ball cam slidablydisposed in the housing; and a second ball slidably extending throughthe housing; wherein the sleeve pushes the second ball into the ball camwhen the sleeve is translated in the first direction.
 9. A rapid-connectcoupling apparatus for coupling a fuel source coupling to a fuel tankreceiving connector, comprising: a housing defining a probe cavity; afirst ball slidably engaged with and extending through the housing; aprobe disposed in the probe cavity and defining a ball cavity; a latchassembly comprising: a latch segment having a latch lip; and a secondball disposed in and rotatably engaged with the housing and with thelatch segment; and a sleeve disposed about and slidably engaged with thehousing and with the latch segment and defining a latch-lip notchconfigured to engage the latch lip when the sleeve is translated in afirst direction, the sleeve to push the first ball into the ball cavitywhen the sleeve is translated in the first direction.
 10. Therapid-connect coupling apparatus of claim 9, wherein the housingcomprises a first housing end and a second housing end threadablyengaged with the first housing end.
 11. The rapid-connect couplingapparatus of claim 10, wherein the first housing end defines the probecavity.
 12. The rapid-connect coupling apparatus of claim 11, whereinthe probe is captured in the probe cavity by the second housing end. 13.The rapid-connect coupling apparatus of claim 11, further comprising aspring disposed in the probe cavity and engaged with the probe and thesecond housing end to urge the probe in the first direction.
 14. Therapid-connect coupling apparatus of claim 10, further comprising aspring about the first housing end and captured between the secondhousing end and the sleeve to urge the sleeve in the first direction.15. The rapid-connect coupling apparatus of claim 9, wherein a first endof the latch segment opposite the latch lip pivots away from the housingwhen the sleeve is translated in a second direction.
 16. A rapid-connectcoupling apparatus for coupling a fuel source coupling to a fuel tankreceiving connector, comprising: a housing defining a first ball cavity;a ball disposed in the first ball cavity; an end fitting engaged withthe housing; a latch segment defining a second ball cavity to receivethe ball, the latch segment being pivotably engaged with the ball andcomprising a latch lip; and a sleeve disposed about the housing and thelatch segment, slidably engaged with the housing and the latch segment,captured between the end fitting and the latch segment, and defining alatch-lip notch to receive the latch lip when the sleeve is slid awayfrom the end fitting.
 17. The rapid-connect coupling apparatus of claim16, wherein the housing defines a probe cavity and further comprising aprobe disposed in the probe cavity.
 18. The rapid-connect couplingapparatus of claim 17, wherein the probe is captured in the probe cavityby the end fitting.
 19. The rapid-connect coupling apparatus of claim17, further comprising a spring disposed in the probe cavity and engagedwith the probe and the end fitting to urge the probe away from the endfitting.
 20. The rapid-connect coupling apparatus of claim 16, furthercomprising a spring about the housing and captured between the endfitting and the sleeve to urge the sleeve away from the end fitting. 21.The rapid-connect coupling apparatus of claim 16, wherein a first end ofthe latch segment opposite the latch lip pivots away from the housingwhen the sleeve is translated toward the end fitting.